Money sought for gay students

BOSTON -- Gay and lesbian advocates are appealing to state legislators, notably Amherst's Stanley Rosenberg, to give more money to programs for gay high school students.

In his proposed February budget, acting Gov. Paul Cellucci called for funding of $1.25 million for the "Safe Schools" project, which provides money for student support groups and education programs. That was a 25 percent increase over last year. But last month, the House cut the proposed funding to $750,000.

David LaFontaine, chairman of the Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth, said the money won't go far enough.

A group of a half dozen senators, including Brian Lees, R-East Longmeadow, has written to Rosenberg, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, requesting the funding be restored. An aide said today no decisions have been made on the request.

Massachusetts is the only state with funding for gay students, LaFontaine said.

On average, about 20 students attend weekly meetings at each of the high schools that offer support groups, he said. The sessions help students who may otherwise be feeling alone and isolated.

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